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Poem

Tonnus Oosterhoff

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I've long had convictions, never been convinced

I've long had convictions, never been convinced.
I know more than some but less than others think.
I think in all respects exactly the same as my father (did not).

One day I'll lose the ability, the consciousness,
the inclination, the image
the dovey dizziness

© Translation: 2003, Paul Vincent

Lang ben ik overtuigd, nooit overtuigd geweest.

Lang ben ik overtuigd, nooit overtuigd geweest.
Ik weet meer dan sommigen maar minder dan anderen denken.
Ik vind in ieder opzicht precies hetzelfde als mijn vader (ook niet).

Op een dag ben ik kwijt het vermogen, het bewustzijn,
de neiging, het evenbeeld
de duivige duizel

© 1997, Bezige Bij
From: (Robuuste tongwerken,) een stralend plenum
Publisher: Bezige Bij,

Tonnus Oosterhoff

Tonnus Oosterhoff

(The Netherlands, 1953)

The son of a rural hospital chaplain, Tonnus Oosterhoff studied at the University of Groningen. Recognized as a leading contemporary poet in the Netherlands, Oosterhoff lives in the remote northern flatlands where he writes with a view of ‘a dyke (7 cm), sky (155 cm)’.

Working from diverse sources – local anecdotes, newspaper articles, canonical poems – Oosterhoff’s innovative poetry is noted fo...

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Poems

Poems of Tonnus Oosterhoff

Work at the dock is dangerous

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much carressed woman’s skin

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A bird likes singing.

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Pope, peace, balloons

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I dreamt that I slept

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Leopard

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‘What are you doing with that old man?’

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Then they said, those brains of mine:

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A woman filling herself in pale grey from below

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Death is quitting

Tonnus Oosterhoff

Close

I've long had convictions, never been convinced

I've long had convictions, never been convinced.
I know more than some but less than others think.
I think in all respects exactly the same as my father (did not).

One day I'll lose the ability, the consciousness,
the inclination, the image
the dovey dizziness

© 2003, Paul Vincent
From: (Robuuste tongwerken,) een stralend plenum

I've long had convictions, never been convinced

I've long had convictions, never been convinced.
I know more than some but less than others think.
I think in all respects exactly the same as my father (did not).

One day I'll lose the ability, the consciousness,
the inclination, the image
the dovey dizziness

© 2003, Paul Vincent

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